Formal, bookishly elegant attire: think dark suits or tuxes, floor-length gowns or elevated cocktail dresses in rich fall tones, jewel tones and luxe fabrics — like you’re attending a candlelit gala in a grand old library. The primary wedding color is black with splashes of cream, dark green and pale pink.

Black-tie optional, at a glance:

- A black-tie-optional dress code means you have the option to wear black-tie attire (an evening gown or a tuxedo) but can instead wear formal attire (a suit or long dress).

- Appropriate attire options for a black-tie-optional dress code include full-length gowns, long formal dresses, dressy jumpsuits and pantsuits, tuxedos and suits.

- As with a black-tie dress code, it's generally best to avoid wearing colors that are too bright or light to a black-tie-optional wedding.